A second suspect has been charged in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, the Kansas City Telemundo reporter who was found dead in his hotel room just days before he was supposed to cover the Super Bowl. Similar to Danette Colbert, who was seen leaving Manzano's hotel, Rickey White has now been charged with second-degree murder.
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As reported by PEOPLE, White was originally arrested on robbery and fraud charges, accused of being Colbert's accomplice. Colbert herself was arrested and charged with fraud and theft after she was caught allegedly using Manzano's credit card after leaving his apartment. Both Rickey White and Danette Colbert, following investigations, were charged with second-degree murder.
According to ABC News, a law enforcement source alleged that both suspects, based on their text messages, had been scheming to drug and rob a multitude of victims throughout the years.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams spoke with ABC News, confirming that the Louisiana attorney general was involved in the case. Moreover, he called the incident not a random occurrence.
"This is a national, multijurisdictional crime spree. For that reason, we've asked and have been working with our attorney general to run point. Hopefully, we'll have a better shot at solving it that way," Williams said. "This was not random. There's a certain pattern with having drinks or food and then saying to the person they'll help him back to their room."
Manzano Found Dead
According to CNN, Adan Manzano was found dead in his hotel room on February 5, lying facedown on his pillow. Tests confirmed that a combination of alcohol and Xanax led to his untimely death. Security video showed Danette Colbert, the so-called "Bourbon Street Hustler," entering and exiting Manzano's hotel room. Later, she would use the reporter's credit card at a gas station and other stores.
Following the news of Manzano's death, many alleged past victims of Colbert's called the Kenner Police Department. One of those calls came from the family of 55-year-old Maryland man John Jenkins. Jenkins died in a hotel room in New Orleans back on December 15. While his death was ruled an accident, it was reported that authorities were once again investigating his death.
A day after his body was found, Telemundo Kansas City
shared a statement addressing Manzano's death."Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work," the statement read. "We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community."
